“I’ve Known Paradise” by Kaylee Kriebel

    I’ve known Paradise 

    I’ve known mountainous terrain that stretched

farther than the eye can see

    Tall Ponderosa Pines that break brilliant sunsets into pieces and litter red dirt with fanning fascicles

    I rolled down hills of crabgrass

    I danced on cement slabs barefooted

    I left 

    I returned 

    Returned to barren, desolate terrain 

    Tall sticks that only crack the unscathed sky with its fried extremities 

    It’s too hot to roll; too hot to dance 

    I’ve known Paradise 

    Trees, dirt, now burnt 

    Part of my soul still plagued by fire